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Wednesday Randomness

22 February 2012 / life, pictures, Uncategorized

I’m freelancing in an office this week and I like it. One of the people I work with has a TARDIS on her desk, and the guy who sits next to me brings me Fritos and sounds like David Bromstad from Colorsplash. I love listening to him talk. I worked a couple of days for this place back in 2010, so it’s nice to be back. The place has nice vibes and the office is gorgeous. And of course, making extra $$ is always a good thing.

Working onsite means I have to be on a normal sleep schedule. Actually, I managed to regulate myself when I went to Disney World. Having only three hours of sleep or so that first day really made me sleepy that night, so I was able to get up at a decent hour the next morning. (We won’t talk about what happened during a few of the nights after I got back. The night owl lives long and hard in me.) I didn’t sleep well Sunday or Monday night, though, and I paid for it Tuesday. I was really tired all day. I crashed EARLY, but I felt OK when I woke up today. So I’m normal… for now at least!

I’ve discovered the Mad Men Volume 1 score and it is FANTASTIC. It’s only 36 minutes, though, so it goes by quickly. But it’s really good music. Listening to Torchwood now.

I am SO READY for summer to be here. I know the days are getting longer every day, but I really am tired of it being pitch black by 6pm. It was worse when it was pitch black by 4:15pm–thank God we won’t have to worry about that again for several months. Isn’t it funny? I’m such a night owl, but I love my long summer days.

Other Things I Love About Summer
1. It’s warm/hot.
2. Wearing dresses, tank tops, and shorts.
3. Walking places isn’t as big a hassle.
4. I can do a “wash and wear” for my hair in the mornings (if I’m actually UP at such a time!) without worrying about it freezing.
5. Cookouts.
6. Berries in season.
7. Aidan’s here!!!
8. No need to wear 45983758953075 layers of clothing and outerwear.
9. No snow, ice, sleet and other assorted horrible weather stuff.

There are some bad things, too. Things like thunderstorms, mosquitos, idiots who break into cars, and loud parties. But that doesn’t stop me from craving summer. Only 120 days.

Target had a sale last week: Buy one Sims game, get one free. This was me when I discovered the sale:

I got Generations and Pets, the two most expensive ones that I didn’t already have. I haven’t played much of them yet. Waiting ’til I get through this week of freelancing to really commit.

I really, really, really want to go back to Disney World. I haven’t even consumed all the snacks I brought home from my most recent trip. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to be there! I mean, we didn’t even get a chance to ride Spaceship Earth. What?

Oh well. We’ll be back there before long.

I’d better go do the responsible thing and get ready for bed. The word on the street is that tomorrow is going to be a long one. I’d better get a lot of rest. I need make sure I’m stocked on Red Thunder[1. Aldi’s brand of Red Bull] in case I get drowsy. And also snacks.

‘Til next time!

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I Went to Disney World!

18 February 2012 / disney, disney world, pictures, vacation, yay

Seven trips and it never gets old. Even though I spent the first day half crazed out of my mind due to lack of sleep and being hopped up on energy drinks. Magic Kingdom was as magical as ever, with rides, yummy food, fireworks, and of course, Mickey Mouse.

*warning, lots of pictures ahead!*

We experienced the PeopleMover, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Carousel of Progress, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (where I got to be on the big screen and use my psychic powers to convince the monster onscreen that he could know which number I was thinking of), and it’s a small world.

Characters met: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pirate Goofy, Ariel, Belle, and Cinderella.
Restaurant: Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner) and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (snack)

Challenges appeared that evening when I realized that my luggage hadn’t turned up (typically, Disney will retrieve it and bring it to our rooms, but there was some snafus early in the process, and in this case, it completely broke down). The next morning, I still had no luggage and I was developing a migraine. We nipped that in the bud with a cocktail of Bayer, Extra Strength Tylenol, and an energy shot. By the time we got to Hollywood Studios to meet my friend Keri, the headache was gone.

keri and me

I was too chicken to ride Tower of Terror (also, my stomach was queasy from aforementioned drug cocktail) so I passed on it. I did, however, ride and LOVE (as usual) Rockin’ Rollercoaster.

We watched the Pixar’s Countdown to Fun parade, which wasn’t as good as the Block Party Bash used to be, but it was still neat.

We experienced Rockin’ Rollercoaster, Star Tours, the Beauty and the Beast stage show, and Muppet Vision 3D, which is the best 3D show in the parks (although I do love me some Mickey’s Philharmagic!)

Restaurants: ABC Commissary (lunch) and Kona Cafe in the Polynesian (dinner)

Day Three = still no luggage. Disney was on it, though. They were going back and forth with Southwest, and I finally had to come to terms with the fact that my stuff might be gone forever. Keri had brought me some clothes, and because I was running out of underwear that I’d packed in my carry on, I knew that I’d need to buy stuff later that evening. Whatever. We headed to Epcot and the first thing we did was grab Fast Passes for Soarin’. Then we got in line because Soarin’ only had a 25 minute wait which is UNHEARD OF. That attraction almost always has at least an hourlong wait. At least.

While I was in line for Princess Aurora and Prince Philip (the princes were out!!), I got a call from someone who had my bag! It had gotten picked up by someone who thought it was a friend of theirs, and was in Gainesville. The girl I talked to was very sweet, but between us two, the airline people, etc., we realized that I’d not get my bag back in time to finish out my vacation. Oh well. I continued to have fun anyway.

at dinner, we had the most scrumptious red velvet dessert
this is me with the last bite
i really didn’t want it to end

We experienced Test Track, Mission: Space (Green, for Less Intense), Maelstrom, Captain EO, The American Adventure, Ellen’s Energy Adventure, and Soarin’ (2x!). I also got some Jammie Dodgers!!

jammie dodgers and a fez
now i am ready to take on the world
/doctor who reference

Characters met: Princess Aurora & Prince Philip, Snow White & Prince Charming, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Chip & Dale
Restaurants: Bakery in Norway (for a snack) and Garden Grill (dinner)

Day Four, we headed to Animal Kingdom. I always forget how much I enjoy Animal Kingdom until I’m there. It’s the prettiest park of all of them, with all its greenery and wild animals. Love watching the animals.

Expedition Everest is an AWESOME roller coaster. Just sayin’.

Of course, the highlight of this day was the fact that THEY ASKED ADAM AND ME TO BE IN THE JAMMIN’ JUNGLE PARADE.

We’d just had lunch at Pizzafari, and I said “Let’s go to Camp Minnie-Mickey.” There isn’t really anything to do there, but the Festival of the Lion King is there and a show was about to start. We were debating going in (it really is an excellent show) when a cast member named Robb stopped us, asked if it was just the two of us. We said “yes” and he said “would you like to be in our parade?” So, we had to be back at the hotel at five, so time was of concern. But the parade started at 3:45, so we were all good. Once it sunk in, I was like…

Because I’ve always wanted to be in a Disney parade. I would LOVE to be a parade dancer, but I’m probably way too old for something like that. But still. Eeeeeee!!!

So yeah. THAT HAPPENED. And one of the cool things is that one of the dancers–I’d recognized her from other shows at Disney World. She seemed flattered and amazed that I’d done so. 🙂

sara’s the dancer on the left end
she’s the one I recognized from other disney shows
crazy, huh?
it was so neat to meet her

So, in Animal Kingdom, we experienced the Kilimanjaro Safari, Rafiki’s Planet Watch (where I got to hold poop!), Expedition Everest, and I GOT TO FREAKING BE IN A PARADE AT FREAKING DISNEY WORLD, Y’ALL.

i’m holding poop!
(don’t worry, it had been baked and coated)

So, despite the lost luggage, I had an AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING trip! And if I had to choose between not having lost luggage and having just an OK time, or losing the bag and being in a parade, I’d lose the bag every time. Hopefully it won’t come to that again, though.

My bag is safely with me now. Disney got UPS to pick it up in Gainesville and they overnighted it to me. So I won all over.

And I cannot wait to get back to Disney World!!!

And just in case there weren’t enough pictures in this post, there are loads more here: [LINK]

Psst! I have a giveaway happening here. You should enter it.

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Disney Bound 2012!

11 February 2012 / disney, disney world, pictures, yay

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Ronni’s Disney Trip FAQ. People ask me these questions whenever they find out I’m going to Disney World again.

How many times have you been to Disney World, anyway?
I’ve been six times. This will be my seventh trip. I’ve also been to Disneyland twice.

Why do you love it there so much?
Disney World is a world in itself. It’s a very magical place, one where I can pretty much forget everything happening in the world and just have a good time. They go out of their way to make sure that’s exactly what happens. I also love the detailing. Every little thing is so well thought out. Most people overlook them for the big things like the rides and the parades, but if you have time, it’s fun to check out all the tiny little details. Believe me, they’ve thought of everything.

Plus, those who know me know that I’m a kid at heart. Disney World is the one place I can go where I can be myself and no one looks at me weird for doing so.

Wheeee!!!

Are you taking Aidan?
Not this time. He’s in Columbus with his dad, and also in school. He goes with us every other trip.

June 2011

Don’t you ever want to go somewhere else?
Sure. I want to go to Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney… oh wait, that’s not what you meant, is it? But seriously, I have every intention of traveling more places. I got a passport in August and I am desperate to use it.

Doesn’t it get expensive?
It can be, but Adam and I always try to go when there is a free dining promotion going on. We also try to go during Value season, when everything is cheaper. (This isn’t always possible because Aidan’s time off school doesn’t always coincide with a Value season.) We also don’t stay in the most expensive resorts (although I’d LOVE to stay in the Polynesian someday). We’re also aggressive about picking the least expensive flight options. (We tend to go with Southwest because of their free baggage allowances, but if we find a flight that’s cheaper including baggage fees, we’ll go with that.) My dream Disney trip would cost about $15K. We never pay anywhere near that much.

Tomorrow this time, I will be frolicking in the Magic Kingdom! It will be awesome, albiet cold. Seriously, I can’t believe the weather waited until the day we arrive to have a forecasted high of 57F when it’s been in the 70s and 80s all week. That frustrates me. Not that I was planning on wearing shorts and tank tops anyway. I’ve packed hoodies and jeans and socks and I will be wearing my new awesome Keens which I love. But now it looks like I will need reinforcements, at least for tomorrow.

I guess I can’t be too mad. It’s currently 17F here in Chicago. So 57F will feel like a vast improvement anyway.

As always, I plan to take loads of photos, and this time, Adam and I will be using Instagram as well. So feel free to follow me on Instagram to get up-to-the-minute photos! 🙂

When I get back, I’ll post all about my trip, and I’ll also have my very first giveaway! You’ll definitely want to check back for that.

See ya real soon!

4 Comments

Our Love Story

9 February 2012 / adam, marriage, pictures, ronni

How long have you and your significant other been together?
We’ve been together for nearly six years.

How did you meet? {What’s your “love” story?}
We met in 2006. I’d known about him because I’d read his Live Journal, I was friends with his agent at the time, and also some of his agent’s other clients, namely Mandy Hubbard. Mandy was my critique partner and best writer friend at the time. I was in Chicago with the agent and other writers (now authors!) at a Writer’s Conference. Adam was running a ghost tour and had invited all of those people along. Mandy asked if I could join, and Adam said “sure.” The day I arrived in Chicago, Mandy and I had lunch and spent ages speculating on what Adam was going to be like. I said that he’d probably be full of really weird facts and wear penny loafers with the pennies in them. That led to all of us later making predictions on what sort of shoes Adam wore. The night of the tour, I walked onto the bus and thought he was the cutest thing ever. The advantage of having a crush on the tour guide is that no one thinks you’re weird for staring at him while he’s telling stories.

By the way. He IS full of weird facts. But he wears walking shoes or boots.

If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}
We got married on July 27, 2008.

If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?
We got married at Edgewater Beach in Chicago. It was a small wedding. It was technically an elopement. See, I had been married before, and he had no interest in a fancy ceremony. So we told our friends “Hey, we’re eloping on July 27 at 10:30am at Edgewater Beach. Feel free to come if you want!” And people showed up! It was a short and sweet ceremony, a beautiful day.

Random Note: A few years ago, some meany-heads on The Knot decided to completely tear my and Adam’s wedding apart. They made terrible fun of us, called us names, threw in racist and ableist remarks, and really had nothing nice to say. (Apparently, these people have nothing better to do but troll wedding pictures of random people and make fun of them.) I didn’t go visit the forum where they were doing it, but a friend of mine told us about it, after she realized they were hotlinking her photos from our wedding. Chris (Aidan’s dad) got the thread shut down and deleted. No, I didn’t have a huge, fancy $10,000 wedding. It wasn’t formal at ALL. I don’t care. The day was perfect for us. Plus, we took all the money we’d have spent on a fancy wedding and spent it on our Disney World honeymoon.

Do you have any nicknames that you call one another? Do share!
I call him “Baby Adam” and he calls me “Little Ronica.”

Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
a. I love that he’s such a smart ass. His brain is always working. OK, you know how you get into a confrontation with someone, but you never think of the right thing to say until way after the fact? He not only thinks of the perfect thing to say, but he actually SAYS it at the right time.
b. He’s intensely loyal. I’ve never had a partner have my back so solidly.
c. He takes care of me. He cooks me dinner, he has no problem doing a lot of the household chores. He’s there for me when he sees that I’m not doing so well. He does everything he can to make me happy.

Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?
I flew in for an impromptu trip to Chicago one weekend in September 2007. See, he’d already mentioned that he was ready to propose. So when he said he was eager for me to come visit, I had a feeling it was going to happen that weekend. I had no idea it was going to happen that NIGHT. He proposed over a chocolate phosphate at Margie’s Candies. The full story is here.

Here’s the ring:

I also use it for my wedding ring because why the hell not? It’s an antique, it’s beautiful, it’s a perfect fit, and I can’t think of a ring I’d love more.

Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?
NEITHER! Adam’s not huge on overly romantic/cheesy gestures like that most of the time.

Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
Pop in a movie and relax on the couch. For sure.

Tell us one thing you’d like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
I’d like to enjoy the millions of dollars we’ll surely one day have. We’d get homes in Florida, Chicago, Ohio, and England. We’d travel to Europe. Hit all the Disney parks in the world. Start some scholarship funds. Help people.

I dream big.

Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine’s Day.
We’re going to be at Epcot at Disney World! We’re going to have dinner at Garden Grill, our favorite Disney restaurant, and we’re going to get our pictures taken with Mickey Mouse.

Are you asking for anything this Valentine’s day?
I’ll try not to because HELLO I’ll be at Disney World, but you know, the Japan store is in Epcot with tons of incense, and the England store is there with JAMMIE DODGERS and I’ll need to replenish my stock of those.

Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
Patience and communication. Patience because you will get on each other’s nerves sometimes. There will be habits that aren’t necessarily harmful but can be annoying. Personality quirks that make you go what the hell? You’ll have to learn to deal with it. And communication is so very important. Don’t hold in resentments until they build up an explode. If he says something that hurts you, tell him so. He might not realize it’s hurting you. Also, be sure to communicate appreciation! Don’t just bring up the bad stuff.

Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Look how he’s looking at me.
It’s like he knows I’m crazy, but he loves me anyway.

Linking up here:

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Thinky Thoughts

7 February 2012 / life, pictures, ronni

This winter’s been a weird one. Up until this point, the weather has been scarily mild (not complaining AT ALL), but I still haven’t had much desire to go outside. And right now, even though I am fully dressed, I’m really cold.

Which is good because I will be GOOD and ready for Disney World and warm Florida temperatures. We leave at (as Seanan would say) Oh God WHY o’clock in the morning for the airport, flight takes off at 6am, and I’m hoping to be in Magic Kingdom no later than noon! This means I’ll be consuming lots of energy shots once we land in Orlando so I can be good and awake.

I am so in need of warm sun on my skin. Warm sun PERIOD. I still have loads of stuff to do before the trip, but that’s cool. It’s stuff to keep me busy until we’re there.

In yoga, we talk a lot about seeing the light in people. And I start to think about the light in people who do really bad things. Like the father who blew himself and his two sons up in his house. Or the teenager who killed her nine year old neighbor. And I wonder about their lights. Do they have a light? Has it dimmed? Am I being judgemental by even wondering about it?

This is why I avoid the news. I know that if something super important goes down, I will find out about it. But I tend to stay away from watching CNN, local news, all that stuff.

I know that’s part of why I love Disney World so much. I go there, and I’m pretty much cut off. I’m in this happy fantasy world, and life is awesome. There’s music and rides and happy people and Mickey Mouse and desserts. Oh yes, desserts. And bright colors and flowers and princesses and sunshine. Did I mention that I’m ready for sunshine?

I had a lot of stuff on my mind, but it’s all escaping me right now. I’ve been dealing with random stomach pains and my appetite’s not been so good. Trying to turn my sleeping schedule into a normal one is a 1/2 step forward, 99 steps back operation. I’m just naturally a night owl, and playing the Sims 3 from 9pm until 4am just encourages it.

I worry all the time. I worry about Aidan. I worry about my mom. I worry about money. I worry that I’m wasting my life/time/talents. I worry about death and dying. I worry that I’ll never succeed at anything (especially in Chicago, where competition is fierce and I’m really starting to question if I am cut out for it).

Am I weird?

Wait, don’t answer that. I know I’m weird.

I love this cat more than any other cat alive.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Helena and Crookshanks, but Fi is my favorite. Shhh, don’t tell any of them I said that.

I wish my blog had more readers. I mean, I write stuff, I want people to read it! I have some envy for the blogs that have 1000+ followers. I know, it’s silly. It shouldn’t be a popularity contest. I tell myself I’d rather have a smaller following of quality people who comment and interact with me, but I’d honestly like a large following of quality people who comment and interact with me. Hmm, but then again, a larger following = a bigger chance for trolls. I’ve had that. Don’t want that again.

These are just the thoughts flipping around in my brain these days.

Linking up with:

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